THE unprecedented operation to protect the Pope is the biggest ever undertaken by West Midlands Police.

There is no intelligence to suggest any specific threats, but officers have had their rest days scheduled for this weekend cancelled to ensure there are enough bobbies on the streets.

Senior officers also faced a last-minute complication when it was announced that the Popemobile would make a “fast walking pace” drive along a three-mile stretch of Hagley Road, where the Pope is due to have a private visit to the Oratory of St Philip Neri, in Edgbaston.

And a ring of steel has been thrown around Cofton Park, in Northfield, where the Pope will hold an open air Mass on Sunday morning.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe, commander on the day, said: “We are confident that the visit will be a great success. The only people who will gain access to Cofton Park are pilgrims with passes. The only other viewing opportunity for members of the public will be the short journey on Hagley Road.”

West Midlands Police would not confirm the number of officers involved or the cost of policing the Birmingham visit, but the four-day visit to Britain will top at least £1.5 million.

The council has also urged people planning to attend to park in the city centre car parks and walk.

Officers have confirmed that two small groups had approached them about staging small scale protests, which will be held in designated areas.